When choosing a refreshing summer drink other than water, most people tend to opt for smoothies, cold brews, and milkshakes. But in the Caribbean, sea moss punch is taking center stage, and the drink, along with other uses for sea moss, is currently trending on social media.
Seaweed may be one of the most underappreciated resources on the planet. Slowly, researchers are discovering different ways to use it, and the results are promising. But the indigenous Kalinago and Arawak peoples have been cooking with seaweed, also known as Irish moss or red seaweed, for centuries—not because it tastes bad, but because of the many benefits it offers.
“Seaweed is an excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B9, C, D, E and K,” registered dietitian and nutritionist Dr Emily Birch told The Australian. “It also contains essential minerals such as calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. Additionally, seaweed provides dietary fibre, small amounts of protein, essential amino acids and polyphenols. As with anything, the levels and bioavailability of these nutrients will vary depending on the environment in which it is grown, and the storage, handling and processing of the product.”
Irish sea moss © CC BY-SA 3.0 | Kontos on Wikimedia Commons
Even if you've never heard of a specific type of seaweed, you've probably eaten it in the past. Seaweed's potent and thickening properties mean it's included in everything from skin creams to chocolate milk.
However, in the Caribbean, sea moss is specifically used in a drink called sea moss punch. Only a handful of species of sea moss are used for this purpose, including Agarwood, Gracilaria and Euonymus. Originally, each household had their own recipe (using a combination of sea moss, water, milk and spices) and made the drink at home, but nowadays sea moss punch is increasingly commercialized and sold as a superfood.
One of the companies selling seaweed-based drinks overseas is Dr. Smood, who took this opportunity to team up with actor Michael B. Jordan. Together, the two launched the brand MOSS.
“As our primary source of refreshment, the ocean's boundless waters are full of pure potential to invigorate our body and mind. By harnessing the power of seaweed and blending it with organic juices, botanical extracts and herbs, MOSS delivers fresh refreshment straight from the ocean in a new, easy-to-drink form,” MOSS said.
If you want to try Sea Moss Punch or one of its derivatives for yourself, now is the time to do it: Native sea moss stocks are dwindling due to climate change, and it remains to be seen whether the harvest can be saved.
